We’re back after taking a week off for Thanksgiving. To be honest, I was out of town for the first half of last week and didn’t get to see any of the games. Sounds like it was a good thing, as the Preds struggled a bit out West. They got back to their winning ways once they got back home and have now won four out of the last five. With the win against the Ducks, the Preds regained the top spot in the NHL with 35 points. The Lightning also have 35 points with an identical record, but of course the Preds hold the tie breaker, beating them head to head.
INJURIES PILING UP
The injury bug has bitten the Preds a bit over the last two weeks. Currently, Viktor Arvidsson, P.K. Subban, and now Kyle Turris are all on IR. The Preds’ depth will be tested over the next few weeks with these key players out. This is when you really need your role players to step up their play to help keep the team afloat. Luckily the Preds have gotten some key contributions from players like Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Bonino, Mattias Ekholm, and Austin Watson.
HAVE SOME HAT TRICKS
Speaking of Jarnkrok and Watson, how bout them hat tricks? Jarnkrok got himself a hatty against the LA Kings and Watson just finished up his against the Ducks. The Preds now have four different players with a hat trick this season, which ties a franchise record. It’s not even December yet. I think it’s safe to say that record will be broken.
PAGING KEVIN FIALA
Kevin Fiala is in some kind of funk right now. Remember that curse Craig Smith had a few years back where he just could not score a goal? I think he’s passed it on to Fiala. The kid is working hard and has had some chances, but he can’t buy a goal right now. I think he’s played on every line over the last week or two, but he hasn’t found the back of the net yet. You just have to hope he can get it figured out soon, as the team will need him as they work through these injuries.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Calle Jarnkrok and Austin Watson – You know the rules. If you get a hat trick, you get first star of the week. Since we missed last week, we got to give it to both players. Again, the Preds have four hat tricks this season! That is absolutely insane!
Second Star – Kyle Turris – Before going down with an injury, Turris had been playing some great hockey. He even scored a couple on the PP, believe it or not. He’s currently third on the team in points with 16. Have to hope the Preds can get him back quickly so he can keep this hot streak going.
Third Star – Nick Bonino – After starting off slow, Bonino has started to find the back of the net. He’s now got three goals and six assists this season. He’s another depth piece that the Preds will need to get going while dealing with these injuries.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Three more games at home this week. Tuesday night it’s the Avs’ first trip to Nashville after last year’s playoff matchup. Then, on Thursday the Preds will look for revenge after losing to Arizona two weeks ago. To wrap things up, old rival, the Chicago Blackhawks visit Bridgestone for the first time this season. Two division games and three Western Conference games means it’s a great opportunity for the Preds to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the West.
Be sure to check out the Talking Preds Podcast. New episodes almost weekly. Be sure to follow along on Twitter and Facebook for live tweeting during the games along with something new we’re trying out. For certain games, I’ll be jumping on live during intermissions, pre-game, or post-game with thoughts on the game. Love to have some good hockey discussion so follow along and let me know what you guys think.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Nashville Predators Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B
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